Reds come from behind to draw against City in closely contested title match

Alexis Mac Allister of Liverpool celebrated after scoring the first goal for Liverpool during their Premier League match against Manchester City at Anfield on March 10, 2024. The match ended in a 1-1 draw, but Liverpool will be left with a sense of missed opportunities as they failed to convert several chances in a crucial game in the Premier League title race.

Manchester City took the lead in the 23rd minute through an unexpected source, as John Stones finished off a clever corner routine, tapping the ball home from Kevin De Bruyne’s delivery.

Liverpool had their chances to equalize before halftime, with Dominik Szoboszlai missing a close-range header and Luis Diaz dragging a low effort wide from 20 yards.

However, just five minutes into the second half, Liverpool found their equalizer. Alexis Mac Allister converted from the penalty spot after Ederson fouled Darwin Nunez. This goal sparked Liverpool’s attack, and they had numerous opportunities to take the lead. Diaz, in particular, wasted some big chances, while Stefan Ortega, who replaced the injured Ederson in goal for City, denied Nunez.

In the end, both teams had to settle for a point, leaving Arsenal at the top of the table on goal difference with 10 games remaining. This result has added another twist to the title race, and its significance will become clear in the coming weeks.

Liverpool may feel like they missed a golden opportunity to secure a victory and establish themselves as clear leaders. They had their opponents on the ropes and registered 19 shots, six of which were on target. If Diaz had been more clinical in front of goal, Liverpool would have come away with all three points.

The player of the match was Liverpool’s captain, Virgil van Dijk. Despite facing the formidable Erling Haaland, van Dijk put in a commanding performance. He kept Haaland at bay and made crucial tackles, interceptions, and blocks to rescue his team.

Player ratings for Liverpool:
– Kelleher 7
– Bradley 7
– Quansah 7
– van Dijk 9
– Gomez 8
– Szoboszlai 6
– Endo 7
– Mac Allister 7
– Elliott 6
– Nunez 6
– Diaz 6

Subs:
– Robertson 7
– Salah 6
– Gakpo 6

Player ratings for Manchester City:
– Ederson 6
– Walker 7
– Akanji 8
– Ake 6
– Rodri 7
– Stones 7
– Foden 6
– Silva 6
– De Bruyne 6
– Alvarez 6
– Haaland 6

Subs:
– Ortega 7
– Kovacic 6
– Doku 7

Key moments in the match:
– 23′ GOAL! Liverpool 0-1 Manchester City (John Stones). An unexpected opener as Manchester City executes a clever corner routine, with John Stones tapping the ball into the net.
– 32′ SZOBOSZLAI HEADS OVER. Liverpool’s best chance so far as Szoboszlai heads over the bar from a well-delivered cross.
– 50′ GOAL! Liverpool 1-1 Manchester City (Alexis Mac Allister). A disastrous moment for Manchester City as a poor back pass from Ake leads to a penalty, which Mac Allister converts.
– 63′ AWFUL DIAZ MISS. A golden opportunity for Liverpool as Diaz pushes his shot wide when through on goal.
– 89′ DOKU HITS THE POST! A late chance for Manchester City as Doku hits the woodwork with his shot.

Key stats: (No stats provided in the original content)